Commercial Annuities

A Smart Way to Leave a Gift to the Minnesota Zoo

Like retirement plan assets, commercial annuities provide for tax-deferred growth while the owner is living. Because distributions from commercial annuities are subject to income taxes, they are often considered among the best assets to leave to charity. Due to our tax-exempt status, the Minnesota Zoo can receive your commercial annuity completely tax-free. The best way to give a commercial annuity in support of our work after your lifetime is to name us as beneficiary.

Making this gift is as simple as updating your beneficiary form with your bank or insurance company. You can designate us as the primary beneficiary for a percentage or specific amount. You can also make us the contingent beneficiary so that we will receive the balance of your policy only if your primary beneficiary does not survive you.

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Next Steps

  1. Contact Office of Planned Giving at 952.431.9237 or plannedgiving@mnzoo.org for additional information on commercial annuities.
  2. Seek the advice of your financial or legal advisor.
  3. If you include the Zoo in your plans, please use our legal name and federal tax ID.

Legal name: Minnesota Zoo Foundation
Address: 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Federal tax ID number: 51-0147653